Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room

Within the historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauai, the Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room offers visitors an immersive journey into the art of Hawaiian rum-making. Renowned for its award-winning, handcrafted rums, Koloa Rum Company utilizes locally sourced sugarcane and pure rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale to create spirits that embody the rich heritage of the island. This article serves as a comprehensive travel guide, detailing the exceptional experiences awaiting at the Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room.

• Enjoy free tastings of Koloa’s award-winning rums every hour, providing a unique opportunity to sample various flavors, including coconut, coffee, and spiced rums. Reservations are recommended due to limited space.
• The Koloa Rum Company is situated in the beautiful Kilohana Plantation, a site rich in history dating back to the sugar cane era of Hawaii. Explore the plantation’s charm and learn about its significance in Kauai’s agricultural heritage.
• The company store offers a variety of exclusive products, including rum cakes, fudge sauces, and branded apparel. These make for perfect souvenirs or gifts that capture the essence of your visit.
• The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhances the tasting experience by sharing insights about the rum-making process and the history behind each product. Their engaging presentations add a personal touch to your visit.
• Easily combine their trip to Koloa Rum with other attractions at Kilohana Plantation, such as train rides through the property or attending a traditional Hawaiian luau, making it a full day of fun and exploration.
• While tastings are reserved for those 21 and older, the surrounding plantation area offers family-friendly activities. Enjoy delicious food at nearby restaurants while waiting for your tasting session.

Koloa holds a pivotal place in Hawaiian history as the birthplace of commercial sugar production in 1835. By 1837, the first harvest yielded two tons of raw sugar, sparking an industry that shaped Kauai’s economy for over a century. Rum-making is believed to have emerged alongside this, leveraging the island’s abundant sugarcane supply.

Amid the decline of Hawaii’s sugar industry, Koloa Rum Company was established in 2009 to honor Kauai’s agricultural roots. Operating out of a repurposed jam factory near Lihue, it distilled its first rum in September 2009 and opened a tasting room at Kilohana Plantation, offering visitors an authentic rum experience.

Using a vintage copper pot still and pure Hawaiian cane sugar, Koloa Rum preserves traditional distillation methods. Rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale further enriches its rums, which range from classic to infused flavors like coconut and coffee. The lineup also includes ready-to-drink cocktails that embody Kauai’s natural essence.

Koloa Rum Company supports Kauai by sourcing local ingredients and collaborating with regional businesses. Plans include a new Koloa facility with a tasting room, café, and museum dedicated to sugarcane’s history. The company aims to grow its sugarcane, ensuring the legacy of Kauai’s agricultural heritage endures.

Koloa Rum Company blends Hawaii’s storied past with modern innovation. Its award-winning rums, celebrated worldwide, embody the spirit of aloha, making every bottle a tribute to Kauai’s enduring cultural and agricultural legacy.

The Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room, located at the historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauaʻi, exudes the charm of the island’s plantation era. The store offers a comprehensive selection of Kōloa’s premium, single-batch Hawaiian rums, including varieties such as white, spiced, and dark rum. Visitors can also explore an array of rum-infused treats like rum cakes and fudge sauce, as well as branded merchandise and unique Hawaiian-made gifts.

At the Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room, guests can enjoy complimentary rum tastings held every hour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Each session accommodates approximately 20 guests, providing an intimate and informative experience. Reservations are required and can be made online for a nominal booking fee of $5 per party of up to six guests. Participants must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID upon arrival.

At the Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room, guests can indulge in complimentary hourly tastings of up to nine distinct rum varieties, each offering a unique flavor profile:

• Koloa Kauaʻi White Rum: A clean and smooth rum with hints of tropical fruit and sweet vanilla, perfect for mixing or sipping on the rocks.
• Kauaʻi Gold Rum: This 80-proof rum presents a rich blend of caramel, vanilla, and toasted almond notes, with subtle hints of macadamia nut, delivering a smooth and flavorful experience.
• Koloa Kauaʻi Dark Rum: A bold and robust rum featuring molasses and burnt sugar flavors with undertones of coffee, making it a great choice for rich cocktails or neat enjoyment.
• Koloa Kauaʻi Coconut Rum: A light and tropical rum with natural coconut flavor, balanced sweetness, and a smooth finish, perfect for island-inspired drinks.
• Koloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum: This 80-proof spiced rum offers a dry and crisp palate with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and a hint of sarsaparilla for a unique twist.
• Cacao Rum: An 80-proof chocolate-flavored rum, it boasts floral and nutty undertones, with rich fudge tones and a light cacao taste, making it ideal for dessert-centric cocktails.
• Coffee Rum: Born from a collaboration with Kauai Coffee Company, this 68-proof rum delights the senses with dark espresso flavors, complemented by hints of vanilla, hazelnut, and tropical fruits, offering a robust and complex profile.
• Hawaiian Rum Punch: A ready-made cocktail blending Koloa Kauaʻi White Rum with tropical fruit flavors, including guava, passion fruit, and orange, resulting in a light and refreshing beverage.
• Koloa Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail: A ready-to-drink classic with a tropical twist, this cocktail combines Koloa Kauaʻi White and Dark Rums with orange, lime, and almond flavors.
• Koloa Hawaiian Pineapple Passion Rum Cocktail: A fruity and vibrant ready-to-drink cocktail bursting with pineapple and passion fruit flavors, balanced by the smoothness of Koloa Kauaʻi White Rum.

Each of these offerings captures the spirit of Kauaʻi, providing a versatile range of flavors to suit every palate and occasion.

After savoring the rum tastings, guests can explore the adjacent Kōloa Rum Company Store, which offers a curated selection of branded apparel, tiki mugs, and distinctive gifts. Notably, the store features rum-infused delicacies such as their signature Kōloa Rum Cakes, made with Kōloa Dark Rum, and rum fudge sauce. Additionally, specialty cocktail mixes, including the popular Hawaiian Kukui Mai Tai Mix, are available, making these items ideal souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home.

After exploring the Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room, visitors can enrich their Kauaʻi experience by visiting several nearby attractions. Just a short drive away is Old Kōloa Town, a historic area that offers a glimpse into the island’s plantation past with its preserved buildings, unique shops, and local eateries. For beach enthusiasts, Poʻipū Beach is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling and sunbathing. To make the most of your day, consider starting with a morning rum tasting, followed by lunch in Old Kōloa Town, and then spending the afternoon relaxing at Poʻipū Beach.

• Make Reservations: Tastings are complementary and held every hour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Due to limited space, it’s advisable to book your tasting online in advance. A nominal booking fee of $5 per party (up to six guests) applies.
• Age Requirement: All tasting participants must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Children are not permitted in the tasting room.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tasting to allow time for check-in and to explore the company store.
• Transportation Considerations: If you plan to enjoy multiple tastings, consider arranging transportation or designating a driver to ensure safety.
• Explore the Kilohana Plantation: The tasting room is located within the historic Kilohana Plantation, which offers additional attractions such as the Kauaʻi Plantation Railway and local artisan shops. Allocate extra time to fully experience the plantation’s offerings.
• Purchasing Rum: If you wish to purchase rum to take home, be mindful of airline regulations regarding alcohol transport and your luggage’s weight limits. The company store also offers rum-infused treats and branded merchandise, which make excellent souvenirs.
• Stay Informed: For the latest information on tasting schedules, special events, and product releases, visit the Kōloa Rum Company’s official website or contact them directly.

The best time to visit the Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room is during the mid-morning or early afternoon, when crowds are typically lighter, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized experience. Tastings are offered hourly from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, so booking a mid-day slot can also provide ample time to explore nearby attractions like Old Kōloa Town or Poʻipū Beach afterward. For the most enjoyable visit, plan around Kauaʻi’s mild weather and avoid peak tourist seasons for a more intimate setting.

To reach the Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room by car, start by heading towards Lihue on Kauai. From Lihue, take Highway 50 (Kaumualii Highway) westbound and follow the signs for Kilohana Plantation, where the store is located. Ample parking is available on-site, making it a convenient stop for those driving.

For those traveling by bus, Kauai’s public transportation system provides routes that stop near Kilohana Plantation. Look for the Kauai Bus Route serving Lihue to Kalaheo and confirm with the driver about stops close to Kilohana Plantation. From the nearest stop, it’s a short walk to the Koloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room. Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance for timing and availability.

A visit to the Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room is a journey into the heart of Kauaʻi’s rich heritage and flavors. From indulging in award-winning handcrafted rums to exploring the charming plantation setting and unique island-made gifts, this experience is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Hawaii. Don’t miss the chance to savor the essence of Kauaʻi—plan your visit today and book a tasting session online to secure your spot in this spirited adventure!